Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially address the global water crisis. They have found a vast ocean, thrice the size of all of Earth’s surface oceans combined, hidden beneath the planet’s surface.
According to recent studies, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, equivalent to around 4 billion people, experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. This alarming reality has prompted scientists to intensify their efforts in finding new and sustainable sources of water.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois, USA, have unearthed a gigantic reservoir of water located 700 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. This enormous body of water is contained within a type of rock known as ringwoodite.
Ringwoodite plays an essential role in this discovery. This blue rock has unique properties that allow it to attract hydrogen and trap water like a sponge. Scientists believe that this hidden ocean within ringwoodite could be the primary source of water on Earth’s surface.
To uncover this subterranean ocean, scientists used a network of 2000 seismographs across the United States. They analyzed seismic waves from over 500 earthquakes, which slow down when passing through wet rock. This observation led them to hypothesize the existence of the vast water deposit.
Steven Jacobsen, the lead author of the study, suggests that this discovery provides substantial evidence for a “whole-Earth water cycle.” This concept could explain the presence of a vast amount of liquid water on our planet’s surface.
The findings of this groundbreaking research were first published in the ‘Science’ magazine in 2014. The study not only reveals the existence of the hidden ocean but also sheds light on the unique properties of ringwoodite.
The research suggests that the transition zone of Earth’s mantle, between 410 to 660 kilometers in depth, could house a significant H2O reservoir. This finding implies that dehydration melting could trap H2O in the transition zone, contributing to the vast subterranean ocean.
While this discovery opens up new avenues for addressing the global water crisis, it also presents numerous challenges. Extracting water from such depths is currently beyond our technological capabilities. However, the findings offer a promising direction for future research and innovation in sustainable water resources.
As Earth spins faster and the global water crisis intensifies, the discovery of this hidden ocean offers a glimmer of hope. It underscores the importance of continued scientific exploration and innovation in our quest for sustainable solutions to pressing global issues.
